Medieval Provins is just an 85-minute train ride from Paris. La Fleur du Sel on place du Chatel does great crêpes. Photograph: Patrick Escudero/Hemis/Corbis

WINNING TIP: Provins

This fortified medieval town is an hour and 25 minutes by train (from Gare de l'Est) to the south-east of Paris, away from the usual foreign tourist route. It's great with kids as there's a tower, ramparts and underground passages. In summer there are lots of events, such as jousting knights. There are plenty of restaurants, from good and cheap crêperies (try La Fleur du Sel on place du Châtel) to fancier places with lovely outdoor dining areas. provins.netmasmingou

North

Auvers-sur-OiseTake the train from the Gare du Nord (one hour) to the place where Vincent van Gogh spent his last three months. Walk up past the church and along pretty backstreets to the cemetery where Van Gogh and his brother Theo are buried, taking in fabulous views of the town and countryside. Carry on alongside the iconic cornfields and drop down into the Absinthe Museum before a delicious meal and genuine absinthe at the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived, worked and died. A wonderful day out whether you're into the painter's work or not.musee-absinthe.com; Auberge Ravoux: +33 1 3036 6060, maisondevangogh.frmumfordc

RouenRouen, in Normandy, is just far enough away from Paris on a fast train (70 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare) to escape its day-trippers but not so that it would break your alarm clock or budget. Apart from having a wondrous cathedral, it is one of the homes of impressionism. Visit a gallery or head for the interesting old town to shop or people-watch from a cafe.rouentourisme.comislandover

Monet's Garden, Giverny. Photograph: Eamonn McCabe

Monet's house and garden, GivernyIf you've viewed the originals (or a poster) and would like to see the real thing, then head out of Paris for a day to Claude Monet's house. A fast train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon makes the journey in 45 minutes. It's a 5km traffic-free walk to Giverny, or there are regular buses from Vernon station. Whether the water lilies are flowering or not, standing in the garden of the father of impressionism is like being inside one of his paintings: the Japanese footbridge is right there in front of you. The house and garden have been restored to how they would have looked in Monet's day. fondation-monet.fr/uk, open 1 April- 31 Octoberlizcleere

La Mer de Sable, ErmenonvilleJust 45 minutes from Paris up the A1 motorway, La Mer de Sable (The Sea of Sand) is a great escape from the capital. Built on an incredible geological site – a perfectly natural expanse of sand – it was France's first theme park when it opened in 1963 but its rides and attractions have survived the test of time. And the best bit? No queues, low prices (€14.90 a day) and free parking. merdesable.frlamiloo

South

François I gallery at Fontainebleau chateau.
Photograph: Corbis

FontainebleauThis beautiful castle, village, and forest are just 40 minutes by train from Gare de Lyon (get off at Fontainebleau-Avon station). There are circular walks around the forest from the railway station, which give you an immediate sense of escape from the intensity of Paris. Then you can wander through formal parkland towards the town centre for lunch, a crêpe or an enormous ice-cream. The chateau, the former country escape of French royalty, offers fine gardens, a large pond, grand rooms and plenty of history.musee-chateau-fontainebleau.frladybird123

West

Chartres cathedralTrains from Gare Montparnasse to Chartres take about an hour. A Unesco world heritage site since 1979, the cathedral, begun in 1145, is reckoned one of the finest pieces of Gothic architecture in the world. It is still in good condition, though some restoration is being done. The stained-glass windows, for which it is most famous, were added in the 12th and 13th centuries and are worth the trip alone: jewel-like tones flood the interior during the day, adding colour and warmth. There's a light show in Chartres during the summer, with special attention paid to the cathedral.diocesechartres.com/cathedralelizcleere

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